THE PEOPLE'S RAILWAYS.

Shannon News, 21 February 1928, Page 4

THE PEOPLE'S RAILWAYS.

OUT FOR BUSINESS. Under the above heading the “Lookout Man" of the Auckland "Sun 7 Writes thus from his watch-tower:— “Time was when the Railways Department did not bother to advertise itself, of go out of the way to court patrons. But all is changed since it decided to be out for business. Now it studies the comfort and convenience of travellers in a dozen directions that had not occurred to it in the days of the past. The courtesy of the railway man was always notable, his willingness t.o help passengers in any difficulty was a constant theme for thanks. Those personal . relations ''with the public could hardly be improved on. There were other things, however, that were sadly needed. The business-like management of recent years seen to these, and as regards, comfort in travelling, the service lias almost been transformed. Nor does the Department forget its patrons. This year it has issued a charming little calendar bearing the motto: ‘The People’s Railways for the People’s Safety. The People’s Railways for the People’s Goods.’ These are being distributed by stationmasters to regular patrons. It is a thoughtful gesture —and its is good business. Good for the railways! A GLORIOUS TRIP. i The .excursion run arranged by the Railway Department from Wellington to Wanganui over the week-end was well patronised, reports the ‘Wanganui Chronicle, " and the 420 excursionists expressed themselves as being pleased with the arrangements made for ttieir comfort. ’ ,

> “We found the accommodation in Wanganui tip-tpp," said a member of the party when conversing with ,a “Chronicle" man, “and although we had to see a great deal in a short space of time, arrangements were so made that; the journey did not seem to be marked by any rush. As a rule haste is usually associated with excursions, and one returns home thoroughly disgruntod and tired. On this occasion, ‘however, thanks to smooth organisation and good accommodation, every member seemed to be thoroughly satisfied." The visitor said the Railway Department attended to all the details of the trip. With regard to. accommodation that was arranged to suit the travellers’ pockets. The tariffs at the various hotels were listed and each person booking a passage had the option of exposing whichever suited. Two ladies from Sydney stated that they were so greatly taken with the river scenery that they felt inclined to stay behind to do some sketching, a pleasure they had intended to reserve for a future trip.

BACK TO THE RAIL. The “Marlborough Express" in coihmenting on the improvement in traffic pn the Pieton section recently, states that in the four-weekly comparison as between this year and last both the passenger traffic and the goods traffic are to the good; but the most remarkable feature is the larger movement of the travelling public over the line. The number of passengers (3205) was more than doubled, and' the revenue froi

this source shows more than a . threefold increase —£445 as against £167. “Business seems to be improving" is the final opinion expressed by this journal in regard to rail traffic in the Marlborough province. ROUND TRIP VIA THE GORGE. Taking advantage of the Railway Department’s Sunday excursion, over 200 persons left Lambton fetation yesterday via 'Wairarapa, for the Manawatu Gorge, where a delightful picnic was spent. Refreshments were piovided by the Railway Department and the return journey was made via the Manawatu. Members of the party expressed satisfaction at this popular mmnovation by the Department.